Tea Time

Gingersnap Creations #87 challenge provided a tea bag template for us to come up with a project or layout using it. Thank you Netty for the template, if you haven't already, hop over to her blog for some sensational art inspiration.

And CCC #31 is all about the Rusted Enamel technique which is on page 41 in "The Book"!!! The colors I used for the rusted enamel technique is Spun Sugar for the base and then aged with Victorian Velvet. This is a technique that I use quite frequently, so much fun !!! Hope you have a sweet Valentines Day !!! xoxo

Be My Valentine

Whewwww... it has been a long time in between posts and I'm so glad to be back blogging again. So many changes have been taking place in my life and now that things are somewhat settled down I find myself in a creative slump and trying to dig myself out of it. Chocolate always makes everything better !!!

With Valentines Day on Monday I decided to make a chocolate cupcake (fat free) to hide a special gift card for my Sweetheart daughter Brittany. I had just ordered these delicious colors of Starburst Sprays from Lindy's Stamp Gang and this was the perfect project for them. I used Prima flowers and sprayed them with Starburst Sprays in the following colors: Cadbury Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Truffle & Creme Brulee Cream.... aren't those names yummy !!! The Sweetheart Doves pictured in the small photo can be purchased @ Studio Garage Band's Etsy Shoppe.

If you happen to own some of these gorgeous sprays then hurry over to Lindys Blog, there is a contest running and you might just win some art goodies. It's also a great place to go for inspiration and that's just what I needed to help me out of my slump. So while my fingers are still messy, let me get back in the studio to see what else I can create. Glad to be back... xoxo

Studio L3 & Simon Says Challenge " Things That Go Bump In The Night"

Simon Says blog challenge is "GRUNGE" and so is Studio L3. What is there not to love about grunge. It's this wonderful artist material that can be used in so many different ways. I chose to use it as my canvas.
At Studio L3 we are working on challenge # 15 on page 53 of Timmy's book. Now I have to admit, I wasn't sure what was meant by "Agate on Grunge" till I talked it over with my sister (she is so smart). This is a technique I do frequently and love it. Alcohol inks have got to be one of my favorite things to use, other than my DI's.
For my "Things That Go Bump In The Night" I used Grungepaper for my entire canvas, and coated it with Gesso means I don't have any Dabbers (shame, shame on me). I used Pitch Black, Pebble, & Gold alcohol inks for the sky, then Terracotta, Ginger, Butterscotch, Espresso & Copper for the earth, and lots and lots of Blending Solution. I used Black Archival Ink for the stamped images which are a combination of Oxford Impressions "Wicked" & Cherry Pie Stamps "Dark Boundaries"

Judy, Judy, Judy

There is something so very special about my blog buddies, and if you aren't a blogger you won't understand. It's being able to reach out and connect with someone that you may never have the opportunity of meeting in a lifetime. To have a passion about the same thing and you just feel like family. I recently was posting to a participant on one of the challenges I am involved in and commented on how I just loved her piece and..... she mailed it to me! Can you think of anything more generous, but no it doesn't stop there. With her precious artwork she enclosed a bit of information regarding items she used on her piece. She has been creating with some lace that was her grandma's and there happens to be a bit of this on this collage... So not only do I have Judy now in my room, I also have a beautiful piece of her memories with it. Thank you thank you Judy for your generosity. I will cherish this always. When you get a moment, stop by and check out Judy's wonderful artwork on her blog.

Something Completly Different Challenge "Arches/1950's"

At SCD the theme for the month is arches and the theme for this week is 1950's. My arch was formed by using an image of an old juke box, and who better to blast on a juke box but the King himself. I love this wooden stamp I have of Elvis. Coated over the top with beeswax for that old vintage look. I have a whole collection of 45's just needed to pick which one I was willing to alter for this project. Had fun with this, and hope you enjoyed viewing... Thanx for stopping bye. xoxo

Studio L3 CCC #13 / Grungepaper

It's the 13th challenge over at Studio L3 and we are getting grundgy. Bubba really tried to stay awake for the finished project but couldn't.
Ok. so to make these flowers...... yea right... your not going to get the details to this technique from me. Nope my lips are sealed... So what are you waiting for??? Go out and get this book !!! Then you can play with the rest of us . I also threw in the "chipped enamel" technique from last week.
What I will tell you though is I used papers from Tim's "Lost and Found" collection and vintaged them up a bit with Distressed Stickles, in Concord Grape, Rock Candy, Peeled Paint, Broken China & Faded Jeans. Then I used Mr. T's flower die cut to cut some flowers from mesh metal to give a bit of texture pazazz. I made the velvet leaves using vintage flower press molds. As always, so much fun to participate in this challenge. Thank you Linda !

Mixed Media Monday & 3 Muses Challenge

MMMMM autumn is just around the corner and it's one of my favorite seasons. Mixed Media Monday challenged us to do something using "Cool Colors" and I immediately thought of Fall and how I love the leaves changing and cool weather. And 3 Muses hosted a theme of "Nature". So this gave me an opportunity to participate in both challenges with this one piece.

We have this gorgeous birch tree in our yard and I decided to try Laura Liddell's technique of embossing leaves. So off to the tree I go I then used my PK Glitz embossing powders and glitters to coat the leaves. Then I sprayed the branches white and covered them with Mica to give it that wintery feeling.
Meantime, while everything is drying I started work on my canvas by preppig it with gesso, then used different shades of cool acrylic colors. Ran some Perfect Pearls over the top for a shimmer, added some spackle for texture and then coated the entire canvas with Golden's Glass Bead Gel which is made with genuine glass beads, its unique visual effect – like that of condensation on cold glass.

Assembly time... put all the pretties on the canvas & WAA LAA... Hope you enjoyed... :)

Dragons Dream TIO "Oriental in 2 colors"

This week at Dragons Dream we are creating something with an Oriental theme but only using 2 colors. I got to bust out an old stamp of mine. Did some embossing on metal to add a little texture.

The entire tag is sprayed with a new product I'm really jazzed about. It's called Moon Shadow, and the color I used here is Bucket O'Blood. The company is Lindy's Stamp Gang. These have a walnut or sepia color base and then when you tilt them the hidden color shows through... Awesome product!!! They are having a Labor Day sale right now, so you might want to hop over to their website and take a look.

Took some alcohol ink to the beaded antenna's ... thank you mom for never throwing anything away. These were perfect for my butterfly, and added some embellishments to finish off my tag.

Ja mata. じゃまた。(see you later)

Gothic Arches & CC # 12/ "Pushing Up Daisies"

Tackled two challenges on this piece. Gothic Arches theme is "Daisies" and we are now in week #12 for Compedium of Curiosties challenge which is "chipped enamel", which I love this technique..

I also used Tim's shabby chic technique on the tombstone to give it texture and stone-like appearance. The image in the frame is a lenticular sticker which gives it that eerie look. I have used the "worn enamel" technique before and it continues to be one of my fav's. Tim's book is a must have if you are into altering pieces. I just love participating in different challenges. It drives you into different directions, encourages me to use products that I tend to forget about. And all the other bloggers involved are priceless .... TFL xoxo

Studio L3 "CC #11" Blended Batik

Where has the time gone... we are already enjoying technique #11 which is Blended Batik... OMGosh how much fun is this... Too cool Sir Tim !

Jump over to Linda's blog for some amazing art inspiration... 88 pieces of art inspiration joined this weeks challenge. HUMMMMMM I would have been 89 but I was a tad late in posting my entry. Well gotta go and look at everyone's batik beauties.... xoxo Toni

Alter It Monthly "Music"

For the month of August Alter it Monthly has a theme of "Music". Their sponsor this month happens to be The Altered Element which has amazing items for your altered projects. You have to hop over to their website and take a lookie.

My altered piece I submitted happens to be a tribute to my sweet heart of a brother Tracy G.... an amazing and brilliant guitarist & music writer. At first glance he looks rough and intimidating, but "Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover".

The foundation of my altered piece was an old music book salvaged from a junk store. A niche was created to house many very special photos of Tracy from long ago to now.

Quote by Tracy G given during a radio interview.

As far as the randomness embellishments, this was also created for a art scavenger hunt, where we were provided a list of items to find and make something with it. Some of those items were, feathers, washers, nuts & bolts, metal, wire, paper clips, old postage stamps, concert tickets, popsicle sticks, and a whole bunch more items.

Enjoying the Journey with ATC's

Tomorrow is going to be my very first ATC swap hosted at Stamp Your Heart Out in quaint Claremont Village. My special artsy friend Sandra talked me into participating in this and I have to admit, I really had fun making these little cards. Started off with old cardboard and embossed it with Tim Holtz textured fade , used walnut stain for my base. Then sprayed it with Lindy Stamp's Treasure Island Aqua, it provided a wonderful patina effect.

Embossed the edges with PK Glitz embossing glitter "Bronze Patina". Then glammed it up with some vintage movie film from Studio Garage Band's Etsy store and some handmade labels made out of grungpaper which is also sold at their store.

Thanks again Sandra for the push to get involved with this.

Studio L3 Challenge/ CC# 10 Distressed Stickles

Good morning everyone, over at Studio L3 we are on CC #10 and we are stickleling (is that a word ??) up things the T!m Holtz way. I just love bling and sparkle, but sometimes, oh... many times you I want that subtle vintage glassy look to your projects. Distressed Stickles is that perfect product to use. I used Scattered Straw, Faded Jeans, Brick Red, Picket Fence, Rock Candy & Milled Lavender.

Take a hop over to Studio L3 and get ready to be inspired by some amazing artists.

**** Note: just as a little heads up... Ranger has just released Distressed Stickles in the matching colors of the "new" Distressed Ink Pads. The entire set of 12 are going to be sold at Studio Garage Band Etsy store. If you are interested, you can visit their store and send them a note and they can place you on the pre-order list for these sets. Product should be received in the Etsy store no later than 9-3-10 ***

So Cal Shop Hop 2010

Today had so much fun running around with scrapbook buddies and hopping from one store to another spending $$$$$ of course. When you think you have it all, try visiting stores you have never been too or going to those that you haven't visited in awhile... Woosh.... head rush.

We laughed and laughed and ate, then laughed, and spent money and laughed some more. Only went to 5 stores, but by the look of the trunk of the car, it appeared that we had visited a whole lot more. First stop 1) Scrapbooking Made Simple, Santa Clarita, wonderful owner Stacey took so much time to teach us new techniques, and was so generous with freebies for us. Off to Craft Connection, also in Santa Clarita. Small but jammed with Tim Holtz 7 Gypsies and some cool 70's paper that will look great in my highschool layouts I'm getting ready to do. Then off to a HUUUUUGE store called Remember When in Valencia. A private crop is already in planning stages. Yes gang, it is definitely worth driving all the way to this store for a crop. Accu-cut center to die for, and product galore!!!!!

Then we headed towards home, and stopped off at Pages of the Heart and Scrap N Yap both in quaint Monrovia... had to spend what little cash we had left. Just love that I have scrapbook buddies to share this wonderful hobby with. Looking forward to more fun right around the corner...

Studio L3 "CC #9" Distress Crackle

Over at Studio L3, wonderfully creative Linda Ledbetter is hosting a great challenge for all you Tim Holtz lovers... and you know who you are :) This week the challenge is page 42 in the Compendium of Curiosities technique book.

If you want a ton of art inspiration, you must jump over to Studio L3's blog. Participants there are unbelievable. My tag this week is called "Get a room"... hummmm my couple is a bit taken with each other. Used Tim's grungeboard for the key hole, some of his Lost and Found paper found it's way onto this tag and also incorporated a fragment. The crackle colors I used were Vintage Photo and Rock Candy, but if you want to know how to do this, get out your book and follow Tim's instructions...and remember "Distress to take away the stress".. xoxo

Theme Thursday & Three Muses

Well I had to pair these two challenges together, after all "Halloween" for Theme Thursday challenge and "Doors" for 3 Muses challenge, how perfect is that. You never know what's behind THE DOOR...... I got my inspiration for this piece from the spider which is called Black Magic Woman and is sold at Studio Garage Band etsy shop or Studio Garage Band blog. And what is behind the door you ask, well it's "Cold Ethel" body parts also sold at Studio Garage Band. How fun are these. The stamps are all from Oxford Impressions the "Wicked" line. Oh and by the way, "Cold Ethel" does come with a head, I just chose to save it for another project...BWAHAHAHAHA

GOTHIC ARCH CHALLENGE "Crowns"

The theme at Gothic Arches is "Crowns"... I dug into my old school stash of scrapbook goodies and found all of these embellies. I've really been trying hard to USE my craft goodies instead of hoarding them...TFL.... now off to blog hop and see everyone else's wonderful crown creations... xoxo

Studio L3 "Compendium of Curiosities #8"

I had alot of catching up to do for this blog challenge as I had been waiting for my book to come in the mail. Over at Studio L3 they are working on Challenge #8 which is distressing grungeboard or grungepaper... (both smell phenominal to me). Let's turn to page 39 and follow Mr T!'s directions. I'm keeping all my tags ringed together in my "Curiosties Collection". There is soooo much knowledge in this book. If you haven't gotten it, and you love to get messy with inks and stuff, it is definitly a must have on your bookshelf.

GOTHIC ARCH CHALLENGE "Owls"

Gothic Arches has a theme of "Owl" this week. This is on the whimsy side with a touch of bizarre, hench Mildred. Maybe it's the hot weather this week that is to blame for my warped sense of humor. Stamp used for chandelier as well as Mildred are from Oxford Impressions. 3 Muses's theme last week was "Odd Bird" but I didn't get these pics downloaded in time for that theme. Off to work on their challenge for this week's theme of "Love is Blind"